Standards of Excellence for Chapters

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The following Standards of Excellence were established by the Delta Phi Epsilon International Governing Board to help each chapter adhere to our policies and understand the expectations of the international organization. It is expected that each chapter will achieve the following Standards of Excellence. Failure to meet these standards may result in a formal warning or probation, fines, and/or other sanctions.

1. Membership
   The total number of active sisters in good standing in each chapter must be greater than or equal to one of the following amounts, whichever is most applicable, and whichever is the greater total number:
   • 80% of the Campus or Panhellenic Total (or "Ceiling");
   • 80% of the average size of the other sororities on campus (local and NPC);
   • A minimum of 25 women; the minimum required to charter a new group.
   
   EXAMPLE A
   If Total on a campus equals 75 members, the minimum number of members the chapter could have and still be in good standing according to the Standards of Excellence is 60 members. If the chapter size falls to 59 members (below 80% of Total), the chapter will be issued a formal warning. If the chapter size remains below 80% of Total for longer than two semesters, the chapter will be placed on Recruitment Probation.
   
   EXAMPLE B
   If the campus does not use an official figure for Total, and the average chapter size equals 40 members, the minimum number of members the chapter could have and still be in good standing according to the Standards of Excellence is 32 members. If the chapter size falls below 32 members (below 80% of the average chapter size), the chapter will be issued a formal warning. If the chapter size remains below 80% of the average chapter size for longer than two semesters, the chapter will be placed on Recruitment Probation.
   
   EXAMPLE C
   If the chapter is the only sorority on the campus, if Total is 25 women or below, or if the average chapter size is 25 members or below; then the chapter would have to have 25 members in order to be in good standing according to the Standards of Excellence. If the chapter size falls below 25 members, the chapter will be issued a formal warning. If the chapter size remains below 25 members for longer than two semesters, the chapter will be placed on Recruitment Probation.
   
   Each chapter shall be expected to recruit the maximum number of women allowed (Quota) during each recruitment period, structured (formal) or unstructured (informal), and shall be expected to continue recruitment of new members until membership is at or above the minimum number of members allowed to be in good standing.



2. Academic Achievement
   Each member must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 on a 4.0 grading scale, and/or maintain an average above the college or university's all-women's average, whichever is higher. Members must individually maintain a minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale in order to be eligible to run for or hold a position on the Leadership Team.



3. Alcohol Awareness, Liability, and Risk Management
   Each chapter must submit the signed International Alcohol, Hazing, and Risk Management Policy each semester, as well as follow the Delta Phi Epsilon International Alcohol, Hazing, and Risk Management Policy. Programming activities, including the discussion of alcohol awareness, substance abuse, liability, and risk management, shall be scheduled once per semester (or twice per academic year) for all sisters and new members. Failure to obey the above stated policies may result in the immediate probation and possible suspension of the chapter's charter. The International Governing Board reserves the right to take appropriate action, including, but not limited to, the above stated disciplinary action.



4. Housing
   Chapters with Delta Phi Epsilon housing (including those with lodges, suites, apartments, or facilities with bedrooms) must maintain full capacity each semester or term. It is the International Policy of Delta Phi Epsilon that when there is a housing unit, every member has an obligation to live in that housing unit until it is full. Only when the housing unit is full may any member be released to live in a residence hall or apartment. This applies to all members, and there are no exceptions.
   
   It is the responsibility of the Vice President House Management/House Management Officer to make sure that this is communicated to every member of the chapter, including new members. It should also be distributed in writing at the first chapter meeting of each semester and the first meeting of new members.



5. New Member Education
   Each member - active, inactive, alumna, and new member - is responsible for abiding by the Delta Phi Epsilon policies regarding hazing and positive membership education. Each chapter must promote a positive education program for its new members within the guidelines established by the Delta Phi Epsilon International Governing Board.
   
   Chapters are required to submit their New Member Orientation documents (agendas, schedules, manuals, materials, etc.) to the International Headquarters for their specific International Membership Development Advisor to review. Each chapter must receive approval for their New Member Orientation each year from their International Membership Development Advisor. Failure to submit the program for review or to receive approval shall constitute a violation of the Standards of Excellence for chapters.
   
   The New Member Information Sheets, New Member Roster, Permission to Install Form, Goose Creek Certificate Order Form, and all associated fees are to be submitted to the International Headquarters per the established timeline. The Permission to Install Form must be received by the Delta Phi Epsilon International Headquarters and approved prior to any Initiation.
   
   It is the responsibility of the Vice President Membership Development to make sure that it is communicated to all new members that all New Member Fees and Initiation Fees submitted to the International Headquarters are non-refundable.



6. Service: Community and Philanthropic
   Each chapter must participate in the following per academic year:
   • Two community service activities (non-fundraising)
   • At least one philanthropic activities to include education and/or fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
   • At least one philanthropic activities to include education and/or fundraising for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
   • Fundraising activities for the DPhiE Educational Foundation. The requirement for chapter donations to the Foundation is minimally $3.00 per member per year or $50.00 per semester, whichever total amount is greater.



7. Chapter Management
   All chapters must have regular weekly chapter meetings and new member meetings during the academic year to discuss the business for the week.
   
   Monthly team reports, as well as other forms and reports, must be submitted in proper format as indicated to the Delta Phi Epsilon International Headquarters.
   
   All invoices received from the Delta Phi Epsilon International Headquarters must be paid promptly.
   
   Requests for deactivation, alumnae initiate membership, or any change of status must be submitted in writing to the Delta Phi Epsilon International Headquarters for approval by the Delta Phi Epsilon International Governing Board.
   
   
8. Convention Attendance
   Each chapter must send at least two delegates to the International Convention.
   
9. Conference Attendance
   Each chapter must send at least two delegates to the District Leadership Conferences and to specifically designated regional workshops and seminars.

At the conclusion of warning or probation, the International Governing Board will review the chapter progress. If the chapter still does not meet the Standards of Excellence, then probation status will ensue, with specific strategies identified to assist the chapter in returning to good standing. A chapter may only remain on this type of probation for one year. If at the end of that year the chapter has still not met the Standards of Excellence, the International Governing Board shall make a decision as to the chapter's continued recognition as a part of the Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority.

Amended 8/04